"You mean we have to go out there and talk to real people?"

Thus was a comment from all my students after they were assigned to research and report on an important ESL/ International Student Resource at Woodbury University. Despite the chagrin, looks of shock and fear, they came out with pretty impressive interviews. Check out Li Wei and other on their blogs! Carpe Diem!

Li Wei's OSD Interview with the Director of Community Services

What are valuable resources for ESL and international students at Woodbury University?

So, I asked my Study Skills students, " If an international student comes to you next year and asked for help on anything regarding living and studying at Woodbury University, what would you say? What are the many helpful resources for international students at Woodbury University?" First, we brainstormed on all the possible needs of international students, including the ISC students, and listed several departments at Woodbury University who may cater to these needs. Second, each student chose a resource from the list they created and were assigned to research this resource. The students must include both online information and personal interviews of people working there. Next, they must video tape the whole interview process and include a virtual tour of their chosen resource. Finally, they must post it on their blogs. Et voila, notre piece de la resistance! Enjoy!- Rachel

Blogs! What an awesome resource for ESL Teachers

What is a better way to assess how international students are understanding and participating in their new culture and their thoughts on their experience... enter the blog! Even though I do not consider myself tech savvie, I managed to get one started and invited the students in. The first blogs started off as midterm exam project. The students created their own blogs and invited me in as a follower or friend. Next, students were given assignments to write on their blogs. These include an introduction of themeselves, what they think of American culture and it's people, thoughts on case studies, film analysis, and visual dictionaries. The results were and continue to be awesome. The visual dictionaries were stunning as it is supposed to show their full understanding of the vocabulary they are learning, and how to use them in the proper contexts. Film analysis and case studies that were written reflected the developing critical eye on the culture and language that they are living in. Here are my students examples. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did

Teachers and Students working together

It has been half of a semester and oh what a semester it has been! Despite the sometimes unusual cold weather that hit Burbank, we are learning lot. Here are a few snap shots

American Culture

International students all over the world often experience culture shock with several aspects of the new culture they are entering in. The students at the International Study Center welcome you to this blog. This blog is a major part of the course assignment. Throughout the course of the semester, we have discussed a variety of topics. We hope that when you look at this you will see how much fun we are having and how much time and effort we have put into it.